This document provides guidelines for Idaho libraries applying for Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants for fiscal year (FY) 1999. The following sections are included: (1) competitive grant timeline; (2) Idaho State Library Development Division staff; (3) preferred future for Idaho libraries; (4) description of the LSTA subgrant…

Describes an information retrieval system in entomology which could also be used for other biological literature. With the examples of coding information into the system, a user might get some idea of how to search and what kind of information might be found. No cost analysis for running the program is included. (PS)

Describes "Maggie's Place," the library computer system of the Pikes Peak Library District, Colorado Springs, Colorado, noting its use as an electronic card catalog and community information file, accessibility by home users and library users, and terminal considerations. (EJS)

Research Libraries Group (RLG) is a corporation owned by 26 academic libraries in the United States. To accomplish their goals, RLG maintains a computerized library services system known as the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN). The RLIN system (and subsystems), design considerations, functions, and benefits for RLG members. (Author/JN)

Discusses the definition of an online library catalog; five factors to be considered by the online catalog designer; user-computer communication (error messages, help screens, prompts, unnatural language); online tutorials and offline instruction offered by bibliographic instruction librarians; and the current situation. Nine references are…

Argues that libraries will become extinct in the future if they do not take on a more active role in serving the information needs of patrons, and advocates the development of expertise at switching centers for electronic information. Seven references are listed. (LLS)

Describes the organization of a project to automate acquisitions activities at the National Library of Venezuela which was carried out at Northwestern University between 1976 and 1979, and which led to the automation of cataloging operations at the National Library. (Author/JL)

Discusses with respect to the British Library the application of new technology, advisory committee problems, the value of the Lending Division and its potential problems, improvement of the Reference Division services, complaints concerning the Bibliographic Services Division, and objections regarding the Research and Development Department. (RBF)

Librarians providing information services electronically must create useful information systems. This article illustrates that the effectiveness of an information system is characterized by its readability, browsability, searchability, and interactive assistance. Describes the concept of interactive assistance and how it relates to information…

The collection and services of the Alexandria Digital Library (ADL) at the University of California Santa Barbara focus on geospatial information sources with links to geographic locations. Evaluation studies conducted within the ADL project are described as well as what was learned about user characteristics and reactions to ADL. (Author/AEF)

Fifteen articles cover issues related to academic libraries in Illinois, including the library of the future, expert systems, information brokers, impacts of technology on reference services, bibliographic instruction, training, shared authority control, needs of minority students, professional associations, library cooperation, and interlibrary…

Discussion of the activities of academic libraries focuses on a survey of 27 English-speaking West African university libraries. The effects of technology are discussed, activities in West African university libraries are compared with activities in other African countries, and implications for West African librarians are suggested. (12…

Discusses the current status and potential for automated library reference services in the areas of community information systems, online catalogs, remote online reference services, and telephone reference services. Several models of the reference procedure which might be used in developing expert systems are examined. (19 references) (CLB)

Summarizes the results of a Special Libraries Association membership survey on technology. Data are reported on types of technology currently in use, parent organizations, members' relationships to technology, purchasing power, staffing, the impact of technology on staff size and services, user satisfaction, job satisfaction, type of institution…

Describes the events that led to legislation in New Jersey authorizing the establishment of a statewide multitype library network. The discussion covers the two levels of service provided by the network (statewide and regional), specific services available at the regional level, state funding of network services, public response, and plans for…